Advisory: LED lamps can interfere with a vehicle’s radio transmissions

Safety Alert Type:

Vehicles

Location:

British Columbia

Date of Incident / Close Call:

2015-09-30

Company Name:

BC Forest Safety Council

Details of Incident / Close Call:

There have been numerous complaints about LED light bulbs interfering with vehicle radio transmissions.

The level of interference varies depending on the installation of the LED lights. The closer the radio antenna is to the lights, the greater the level of interference. Some brands of LED lights are worse than others.

Learnings and Suggestions:

Place the antenna further away from the LED lights (i.e.: install on roof)

Install a filter on the lead electrical wires (lines) going to the lights (filter weakens the power emissions of the lights, minimizing the radio interference). The filter is available at your local radio communications shop or auto parts stores (approximate cost of $20/filter)